Preparing for your NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) planning meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that your support plan truly reflects your needs, goals, and aspirations. The NDIS planning meeting is more than just a routine conversation — it’s your opportunity to take control of your future and design a plan that empowers you to live your best life.
However, many people find the process intimidating or confusing. What should you bring? What questions should you ask? How can you make sure your voice is heard? This blog post will guide you through every stage of preparation, providing detailed tips and comprehensive checklists to help you enter your planning meeting feeling confident and informed.
What is an NDIS Planning Meeting?
Your NDIS planning meeting is a collaborative conversation between you (and anyone you choose to bring) and your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). The goal is to develop or review your NDIS plan, which outlines the funding and supports you’ll receive to help you achieve your personal goals.
During this meeting, you will discuss your current situation, your strengths, the challenges you face, and what supports you need to overcome those challenges and participate fully in your community. This conversation shapes the support you’ll be funded for, so it’s essential to come prepared.
Why Is Preparation So Important?
Without proper preparation, essential details can be overlooked, and your planner might not get a complete picture of your life and goals. Being prepared means you can:
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Clearly explain your goals and what you want to achieve.
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Highlight your support needs accurately.
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Provide evidence and documents to support your requests.
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Build a plan that truly works for you, not just a generic list of services.
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Feel empowered during the meeting, reducing stress and confusion.
Tips to Prepare for Your NDIS Planning Meeting
Preparing well for your NDIS planning meeting is crucial to ensuring that your support plan aligns with your unique needs and goals. Here are some practical tips to help you get ready and make the most out of your meeting:
1. Reflect on Your Current Supports and Experience
Begin by considering your current supports. What’s working well? What isn’t? Have your needs changed since your last plan? Take note of any new challenges or achievements. Reflecting honestly helps you identify gaps and opportunities to improve your plan.
2. Define Your Personal Goals and Aspirations
Your goals guide your plan. They should be specific, meaningful, and achievable. For example, rather than just saying “I want to be more independent,” try “I want to learn to use public transport independently” or “I want to find a part-time job.” Include goals related to health, education, social life, daily activities, or anything else important to you.
3. Collect and Organize Supporting Documentation
Gather reports from health professionals, therapists, educators, or support workers that explain your needs. This evidence strengthens your case for specific support or funding amounts. Keep these documents organized so you can easily share them during your meeting.
4. Make a Detailed List of Supports and Services You Need
Think broadly about the types of support that could help you. These might include:
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Assistive technology, like mobility aids or communication devices
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Therapy services such as physiotherapy or speech therapy
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Personal care assistance
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Home modifications
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Social and recreational activities
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Transport support
Writing these down helps ensure you don’t forget to mention any supports you want. If you’re considering changes to your current support providers, you might find this guide on how to switch NDIS providers useful.
5. Consider Your Lifestyle, Preferences, and Values
Your plan should reflect your lifestyle choices and values. For example, if you prefer community-based activities over institutional care, please indicate this preference. If cultural or linguistic needs are essential, highlight them. This personalizes your plan and makes it more meaningful.
6. Invite Someone to Support You
If you feel nervous or want help advocating, bring a trusted person—like a family member, friend, advocate, or support coordinator. A support coordinator can also help you navigate your plan and link you to providers and services. Learn more about their role in our post about NDIS support coordinators.
7. Prepare Questions and Points to Discuss
Write down anything you want to clarify or discuss. This may include details such as how specific supports will be funded, timelines, or procedures for accessing services. Having questions ready ensures you cover everything necessary.
What to Expect During Your NDIS Planning Meeting?
During the meeting, the planner will ask you about your goals, daily life, and any support needs you may have. They’ll listen carefully to understand your situation and may ask for more details or clarification. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you don’t understand something or need more time to explain your needs.
Make sure to:
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Clearly express what’s important to you.
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Share your prepared documents.
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Discuss each goal and the supports you think will help achieve it.
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Ask questions about how the NDIS works and what’s available.
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Take notes or request permission to record the meeting for your reference.
Comprehensive Checklists for Your NDIS Planning Meeting
Preparing thoroughly for your NDIS planning meeting can make all the difference in creating a plan that genuinely supports your needs and goals. To help you stay organized and confident, here are detailed checklists for each stage of the process: before, during, and after your meeting.
Pre-Meeting Checklist
Before your meeting, it’s essential to gather information and reflect on your current situation and future goals. Use this checklist to make sure you’re ready:
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✅ Review your current NDIS plan and identify what works and what doesn’t
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✅ Write clear and specific goals, both short-term and long-term
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✅ Collect up-to-date reports and assessments from health professionals
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✅ List current supports and any new supports you want to include
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✅ Reflect on your lifestyle preferences and cultural needs
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✅ Prepare questions or topics you want to raise
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✅ Arrange a support person if desired
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✅ Confirm meeting date, time, and format (in-person, phone, video)
During the Meeting Checklist
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✅ Share your goals and explain how each supports helps you achieve them
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✅ Provide your supporting documents
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✅ Ask for clarification whenever needed
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✅ Discuss any challenges you face with the current support
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✅ Confirm next steps, timelines, and follow-up actions
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✅ Take detailed notes or record the meeting (if permitted)
Post-Meeting Checklist
After your meeting, it’s important to review everything carefully and follow up if necessary. Use this checklist to stay on top of the next steps:
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✅ Review the draft plan carefully once you receive it
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✅ Check that all your goals and supports are included
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✅ Contact your planner immediately if something is missing or unclear
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✅ Request a plan review if necessary
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✅ Plan how to implement your support once the plan is approved
Conclusion
Your NDIS planning meeting is a powerful opportunity to advocate for yourself and shape a support plan that truly reflects your life, challenges, and ambitions. The more you prepare, the more effective and confident you will be in this process.
Take your time to review your needs, gather information, and set clear goals. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether from family, friends, or professional advocates. Remember, this is your plan — designed to help you live a fulfilling, independent, and meaningful life.